How is the angle of BF3 120 degrees?

  • Thread starter Thread starter prakhargupta3301
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Angle Degrees
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The bond angle of boron trifluoride (BF3) is definitively 120 degrees due to its trigonal planar structure resulting from sp2 hybridization. Despite the presence of back bonding, which can influence bond angles, it does not lead to an increase in the bond angle beyond the predicted 120 degrees. The discussion highlights that any increase in bond angles for all three fluorine atoms is not feasible within the molecular geometry of BF3.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular geometry and hybridization, specifically sp2 hybridization.
  • Knowledge of bond angles in trigonal planar structures.
  • Familiarity with the concept of back bonding in molecular chemistry.
  • Basic grasp of the properties of boron trifluoride (BF3) and its electronic structure.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of back bonding on molecular geometry in other compounds.
  • Study the hybridization of other trigonal planar molecules, such as sulfur trioxide (SO3).
  • Explore the concept of bond angles in various molecular geometries, focusing on deviations from ideal angles.
  • Investigate the role of electronegativity in bond angles and molecular shape.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, molecular modelers, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of molecular geometry and hybridization effects in compounds like BF3.

prakhargupta3301
Messages
58
Reaction score
1
Since it shows back bonding, shouldn't it be a little more than that?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
jim mcnamara said:
Does this help?
https://www.quora.com/Why-the-bond-angle-of-BF3-is-greater-than-NF3
Thanks but I've already been there.
My query was that BF3 already has trigonal planar structure by hybridization. And the predicted bond angle is 120 deg.
But, we know that it shows BB too. So why doesn't it increases the bond angle?
 
Which bond angle? all three? Is that possible?
 
prakhargupta3301 said:
So why doesn't it increases the bond angle?
What number would it increase to?

Edit: ninja'd by mjc123
 
TeethWhitener said:
What number would it increase to?
mjc123 said:
Which bond angle? all three? Is that possible?

Edit: ninja'd by mjc123
Um. I don't know.
Perhaps that answered my question. An increase in all three is just impossible. Perhaps I was only playing around with the idea of BB with just one F but it's with all three. Is that what you mean?
 
prakhargupta3301 said:
An increase in all three is just impossible.
prakhargupta3301 said:
Is that what you mean?
Yes (I can't speak for mjc, but that's what I was thinking)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: prakhargupta3301
TeethWhitener said:
Yes (I can't speak for mjc, but that's what I was thinking)
Okay thanks for helping me!
 

Similar threads

Is the Nitrogen in NH3 sp3 or sp2 + 2p ?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School In a triangle, is the angle between the points of contact of the inscribed circle with the sides 120 degrees?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Bond angle of Hydrogen Sulphide
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Styrene Maleic Anhydride - Bond Angles and Lengths
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
How are angles in molecules calculated?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Compton Scattering: detector is 60 degrees from the symmetry axis
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
How Does SO3 Form 3 Pi Bonds Without an Expanded Octet Structure?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Bond Angle Questions: Is it Applicable for Single Bonded Atoms?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to calculate protons and electrons in NH3BF3?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
Bond Angles, Bond Lengths and Hybridization
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K